4-wheel alignment for 5000 mi. maintenance?????

[Yari-Chan]

I just bought a 2009 Yaris Sedan in January. I am up for my 5000 mile maintenance. I received a coupon from my dealership for:
-oil and filter change=$32.95
-Tire balance/rotation=$57.95
-air conditioning check=$56.17 and
-4-wheel alignment=$99.95

They also offer a 5K Scheduled Maintenance that includes oil/filter change and tire balance/rotation among other inspections for $124.82.

The 2009 Yaris Scheduled Maintenance Guide states to Replace oil/filter, Rotate tires and visually inspect brake linings/drums and brake pads/discs.

I am thinking of just doing the oil/filter change and tire balance/rotation but I was wondering about a 4-wheel alignment. The Yaris Maintenance Log doesn't say anything about 4-wheel alignment. When do you usually do this?

What about air conditioning check? I just started using it so I don't really think I need it but when do people usually do this?

I'm such a girl when it comes to car stuff. I'm trying to learn. That's why I'm here!!!!!

I want to know what other proud Yaris owners have done at the 5000 mile mark as far as maintenance.

Thanks!!

[WeeYari]

Firstly - welcome to YW

Second - you've received the same coupon that someone with 120,000 miles would received. It is not tailored for you and your car personally.

Third - oil change at this point and that is it.

Fourth - the car will tell you when you need an alignment. The steering may pull to one side or the other, the steering wheel is not perfectly centered when driving straight, or the tread on your tires is not wearing evenly across the width of the tire.

[Yari-Chan]

Thanks for the warm welcome Canadian neighbor!!!

Another question for you...When do you schedule your tire rotations?

[jambo101]

Thanks for the warm welcome Canadian neighbor!!!

Another question for you...When do you schedule your tire rotations?

Usual time is when putting on the snow tires in late fall or summer tires in the spring,just dont put them back the same way they came off.
As for all that stuff the dealer wants to sell you?all you need at this point are regular oil changes.

[Yari-Chan]

What if I have all-weather tires?

[WolfWings]

Same deal. First/second/third snow, first/second/third good hot day is what I do mine.

I go through GoodYear tire centers though for most of it, so my tires are guaranteed, the alignment is guaranteed for a period of time, etc, so it's more-or-less a fixed outlay of cash at set intervals to keep the coverage. Hit a pothole? Roll it by on a free day, they check and correct for free if so.

[roxy1]

5k miles should just be oil change and rotation. however, one can certainly opt out of the tire rotation as this would not really affect any truly important warranty issues. i think 5k tire rotations are more often than necessary. however, i do them on my car only becaue i get free tires for life. its only an extra $17 per 5k miles.

anyway, an oil change and tire rotation is only $49.99 at my dealer. $124 for the 5k maintenance is highway robbery.

[Yari-Chan]

I just called the Toyota dealership in the Bronx and asked them what they recommend for my 5000 mile maintenance. They said, oil/filter. I asked them about tire/balance and they said they could do both with a 25 point inspection for $29.99!!!!

I called my regular dealership in Rockland County, NY and asked them the same question. Their reply was $124 (as stated above).

I told them what the Toyota dealer in the Bronx was going to charge and they wouldn't budge so I will be doing an oil/filter change with a tire rotation and balance and 25 point inspection for $29.99 in the Bronx.

I am hoping that the quality of service is good since it is a Toyota dealership.

[jambo101]

I will be doing an oil/filter change with a tire rotation and balance and 25 point inspection for $29.99 in the Bronx.


Forget the 25 point inspection unless its mandatory for your warranty(which i doubt),its just a license for them to print money as they will surely sell you on the idea that your car needs something,whether it does or not depends on your level of mechanical awareness. let us know what they find on that 25 point inspection if you choose to go ahead with it. As i said before an 09 Toyota with 5k shouldnt need anything more than oil and filter, the big multipoint dealer maintenance inspection comes in at about 30k miles and it will set you back a few hundred bucks.

[UTVitz]

if you do a lot of highway miles like I do I rotate every 10k miles. front to back just like toyota says to do-never side to side. but if you're mostly doing in town driving with a lot of turning then every 6-8000 miles is recommended. every time you rotate it puts a lot of stress on the wheel studs that could ultimatly lead to a broken one. also, over tight lug nuts can lead to warped rotors. so over doing it is not always a good thing.

[SaerinRhoe]

Welcome to YarisWorld :)

I'm in TX just had the 5K service on my 3-door this weekend and I had the dealer skip the oil change because I'm doing that myself this week. What remained for the dealer to do was:
- check the fluids
- rotate/balance tires
- 6 point inspection
- and a couple of other minor things that I can't recall off the top of my head.

The price on this was $21.99 and would've been $60 if I'd gone with the complete 5K service that included an oil change.

As for doing the rotate/balance at a regular interval, I figure that if I'm going to be at the dealer for a couple of hours for scheduled maintenance, I might as well have them do the tires as well.

S.R.

[Thirty-Nine]

Another thing to consider: The Yaris does not need a four-wheel alignment. there are no adjustments in the rear due to the torsion-beam rear suspension. Only the front will need aligning.

You shouldn't need an alignment for a long time unless you modify the front suspension, get into an accident, etc. And when you do need an alignment, take to it an alignment shop and only get the front done.

[yaris-me]

Since you are asking, it means a limited knowledge about cars. Get the tire balance and rotation with 25 point inspection. They will spot problems and allow you the peace of mind.:smile:

[supmet]

. every time you rotate it puts a lot of stress on the wheel studs that could ultimatly lead to a broken one. also, over tight lug nuts can lead to warped rotors. so over doing it is not always a good thing.

We don't drive kias, so I wouldn't really worry about the lugs breaking - I've rotated tires on two different toyotas with over 150,000 miles and never had a lug break. And if you rotate your tires yourself you can always properly torque your lugs, but the retards at any tire change place will just air ratchet them down - you're right about that. I get free rotation/balancing at america's tire, and I just stand out there and tell them not to touch my car with an air gun... (every shop has cam-over wrenches laying around)

About the maintenance stuff - toyota is doing better than american car companies, but they are still hurting. A shitty economy brings out the worst in businesses, so you have to be more alert to BS people are trying to sell you. As others have said, oil, tires, filters - that's all you have to worry about with this car for at least 100k

[Yari-Chan]

Wow!!! This site is great!!!! Thank you so much to all who have given input. This helps a TON!!!!!!!! I feel so much better. I have another question but it's about my front grill (I think that's what it's called). Since I live in NYC, my car gets bumped during on street parking all the time. After one month of having my brand new car I noticed my front grill was cracked and broken. I need to replace it. I am going to go take a picture of it and put up another post. Thanks again everyone!!!!

[Forrest]

I just bought a 2009 Yaris Sedan in January. I am up for my 5000 mile maintenance. I received a coupon from my dealership for:
-oil and filter change=$32.95
-Tire balance/rotation=$57.95
-air conditioning check=$56.17 and
-4-wheel alignment=$99.95

They also offer a 5K Scheduled Maintenance that includes oil/filter change and tire balance/rotation among other inspections for $124.82.

The 2009 Yaris Scheduled Maintenance Guide states to Replace oil/filter, Rotate tires and visually inspect brake linings/drums and brake pads/discs.

I am thinking of just doing the oil/filter change and tire balance/rotation but I was wondering about a 4-wheel alignment. The Yaris Maintenance Log doesn't say anything about 4-wheel alignment. When do you usually do this?

What about air conditioning check? I just started using it so I don't really think I need it but when do people usually do this?

I'm such a girl when it comes to car stuff. I'm trying to learn. That's why I'm here!!!!!

I want to know what other proud Yaris owners have done at the 5000 mile mark as far as maintenance.

Thanks!!

It sounds as though the dealership you have been using is robbing people ! Good thing you checked around on these prices. Many dealerships offer free oil changes with purchases !
Your dearlership is now a stealership as others on YW have called some dealers. Welcome to Yaris World.

[supmet]

Since I live in NYC, my car gets bumped during on street parking all the time. After one month of having my brand new car I noticed my front grill was cracked and broken. I need to replace it. I am going to go take a picture of it and put up another post. Thanks again everyone!!!!

Is it the upper grill or the lower grill??

Garm at www.microimageonline.com sells an aftermarket upper grill that I think looks much better than stock. He's an extremely reliable seller.

For the lower grill there is a DIY mesh grill, that is pretty cheap, and again, it looks pretty good

http://www.yarisworld.com/forums/showthread.php?t=17055&highlight=DIY+lower+grill

[Black Yaris]

with our shit ass roads here in Ohio, I get my alignment checked about every 6 months/5k miles or so

[MadMax]

I also just had the 5K service done this weekend at the Toyota dealership where I bought my 08 HB. I was given two free 5K services, so I decided to take up the offer. I asked that synthetic oil be used, and was told I would have to pay the difference between it and conventional dino oil. No problem, I responded. When the car was ready 40 minutes later, the service guy realized they had used regular dino oil. I told him not to worry about it, but he insisted that they do it right and told me it would only take another 10-15 minutes. When they got done, the service guy said there would be no charge for the synthetic oil.

They also rotated the tires, checked the air pressure and did the following...

- Top off under hood fluid levels
- Inspect battery, steering, suspension, axles, brakes, exhaust, belts, hoses and brakes
- Lube locks, latches and hinges

On my way home from the dealership I noted a bit of a shimmy in the steering wheel at 55-60 MPH. I figured the wheels needed to be re-balanced so I went by Discount Tire this afternoon and bought their lifetime rotation, balance and repair coverage for $56. They rebalanced all four tires and said they were slightly out of balance. Now I can just go online and make an appointment to have the tires rotated and balanced every 5K miles, which takes about half an hour.

It may be a New York thing but I think your dealership is ripping you off. All the owner's manual calls for are the above items, there is no need for an air conditioner check nor a four-wheel alignment. The 5K service here in San Antonio normally runs $52.90; but this month the dealerships are running a special and it only costs $38.88 + tax (more if you want synth oil). Basically, it is the same thing your dealership wants $124.82 to do.

Hope that helps, but it may just make you feel worse!

Cheers! M2

[Yari-Chan]

Lots of potholes in NYC too.

I wonder if it is okay to rely on my car to tell me if I need an alignment.

Wee-Yari says, "Fourth - the car will tell you when you need an alignment. The steering may pull to one side or the other, the steering wheel is not perfectly centered when driving straight, or the tread on your tires is not wearing evenly across the width of the tire."
__________________

[jambo101]

Yari-chan dealers just love customers like you,as they can sell you neat stuff for your car like Muffler bearings, blinker fluid and piston return springs which they probably buy in bulk from this place http://kalecoauto.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=3
Just kidding.

[markrg07]

[QUOTE=Yari-Chan;318094]I just bought a 2009 Yaris Sedan in January. I am up for my 5000 mile maintenance. I received a coupon from my dealership for:
-oil and filter change=$32.95
-Tire balance/rotation=$57.95
-air conditioning check=$56.17 and
-4-wheel alignment=$99.95

They also offer a 5K Scheduled Maintenance that includes oil/filter change and tire balance/rotation among other inspections for $124.82.

The 2009 Yaris Scheduled Maintenance Guide states to Replace oil/filter, Rotate tires and visually inspect brake linings/drums and brake pads/discs.

I am thinking of just doing the oil/filter change and tire balance/rotation but I was wondering about a 4-wheel alignment. The Yaris Maintenance Log doesn't say anything about 4-wheel alignment. When do you usually do this?

What about air conditioning check? I just started using it so I don't really think I need it but when do people usually do this?

I'm such a girl when it comes to car stuff. I'm trying to learn. That's why I'm here!!!!!

I want to know what other proud Yaris owners have done at the 5000 mile mark as far as maintenance.

Thanks!![/i have done alignments for 6 years. you should do an alignment every 10,000 15,000 mile

[firemachine69]

Firstly - welcome to YW

Second - you've received the same coupon that someone with 120,000 miles would received. It is not tailored for you and your car personally.

Third - oil change at this point and that is it.

Fourth - the car will tell you when you need an alignment. The steering may pull to one side or the other, the steering wheel is not perfectly centered when driving straight, or the tread on your tires is not wearing evenly across the width of the tire.


When I get pulling, I just go looking for a pothole in the opposite direction. :biggrin:

[Yari-Chan]

Wow!!!! Great news, I just went to the other dealer and they were sooooo nice. They said that all I would need is an oil/filter change and they would do the 25 point inspection and would let me know if I needed tire rotation/balance or an alignment.

They also gave me the oil change for free since it was my first time there and they wanted me to come back.

I didn't need anything else except the oil change so I walked out of there without paying a dime.

The service manager also showed me where the tire jack was (since I didn't know). I didn't know it was under the driver side seat.

Also, my hood was not perfectly aligned so they fixed it for free too. Said it was under warranty.

I've never had such a nice experience at a dealership. I will definitely be returning to them.

[jambo101]

I didn't need anything else except the oil change so I walked out of there without paying a dime.

The service manager also showed me where the tire jack was (since I didn't know). I didn't know it was under the driver side seat.

.
I'll bet the next time you go there it will be a lot more than a dime,as for being shown where the jack is have you read any part of the owners manual?if not ,read it.do you actually know how to change a flat tire?Keep asking at the forum for advice as we have some very knowledgeable people here and we dont charge much...Glad everything turned out OK.

[marcus]

can onyone confirm if the yaris's rear had to be aligned as well..

[talnlnky]

for rotations tire shops always say every 5,000 miles... I rotate my tires more like every 10,000. when your tires are new I don't think it makes a huge difference... but when you start to get low on the tread I think its more important to do the changes more frequently. I've got 33k miles on my car (and tires) right now... and expect them to last until winter... so, at least 40,000 miles. If it doesn't snow here this winter I might be able to get 50,000 out of them.

[ern-diz]

even with new tires, i would still rotate every 5k just to maximize the life...waiting till the tires are getting low on tread is like waiting to apply FE driving tactics on your last bar of gas lol...just seems like too little too late to me...i'm trying to get as much out of my rubber as possible...

on another note, i just had the minor maintenance done...i'm at a bit over 22k and they said the car calls for a 3 point injection cleaning service at 20k (part of which includes throttle body cleaning)...it wasn't that expensive and i've got some loose change hanging around so, i had it done...anyone else have this done at 20k?

[yaris-me]

can onyone confirm if the yaris's rear had to be aligned as well..

If you've had alignment problems, it would be wise to have four wheels alignment. In general the rear usually does not need alignment. Uneven wear will be an indicator, but beware of cheap tires.

[PhilD424]

I just called the Toyota dealership in the Bronx and asked them what they recommend for my 5000 mile maintenance. They said, oil/filter. I asked them about tire/balance and they said they could do both with a 25 point inspection for $29.99!!!!

I called my regular dealership in Rockland County, NY and asked them the same question. Their reply was $124 (as stated above).

I told them what the Toyota dealer in the Bronx was going to charge and they wouldn't budge so I will be doing an oil/filter change with a tire rotation and balance and 25 point inspection for $29.99 in the Bronx.

I am hoping that the quality of service is good since it is a Toyota dealership.Queens here. Yeah 98% of the people here can't drive for shit.

[CrazedEpidemic]

Which Bronx dealership was it?

Fordham or Boston Rd?

I usually go to Penn Toyota out on Long Island but they tired selling me a really EXPENSIVE maintenance plan the last time so I don't think I'm going out there for my 25,000 mile oil change.

With the help of the great members on this site you can really avoid getting ripped off!

[Keith Tinari]

As far as alignments go, there are a few TSBs about alignments and tire pulls. I could see why Toyota would want to check because most people will ignore it for the most part until a tire fails... and then its Toyotas fault they think. The yaris can be aligned in the rear but with shims. Its a dinosaur way but its how its done. There is also a slight problem with the electronic steering rack. Ive noticed mine go off center after the car has been in the air only to return later on. I called my dealership and had it confirmed. I btw have only 3500 miles on my 3dr but have lowered it and am running almost -2 in the front so mines not going into the dealer for that lol. Im also a tech though.

As far as the Yaris is concerned, you need only oil changes, rotations, and fluid/brake/filter checks. Replace what needs replacing and thats it. This car has little to no service needs so dont let the dealer push you around. Its not just tough for the auto industry its tough for us too.

[Forrest]

5k miles should just be oil change and rotation. however, one can certainly opt out of the tire rotation as this would not really affect any truly important warranty issues. i think 5k tire rotations are more often than necessary. however, i do them on my car only becaue i get free tires for life. its only an extra $17 per 5k miles.

anyway, an oil change and tire rotation is only $49.99 at my dealer. $124 for the 5k maintenance is highway robbery.


I've done the tire rotation at the 5k service. Oil changes/filter are free from dealer so just pay tire rotation. Comes to 21$ inc. tax. No other service required.

[Yaris Hilton]

I got my 5K service yesterday at my neighborhood oil change place. $40 & change for an oil change and tire rotation. Kept the receipt. I'm not fooling with the dealer unless I have to. They're nice, but they're distant, inconvenient and expensive.

[marcus]

Fu#%$ng dealer stalled my car 3x and i was there 3x times as well 2x for oil change and one for warranty.. 1x time some dude started my car and did a rabbit kick on it..why the hell would you not check the gear on a manual b4 starting..2x the guy who checking my suspension stalled the car in the middle of the street while were doing a test drive and 3x and foremost a guy who tried to drive my car in for inspection doesnt even know how to drive a stick..so i end up driving it in myself..he said " sorry its been a while " .sigh. so i had it been changing my oil eversince.

[Yaris Hilton]

Oil changing is easy. Tire rotation without a lift is a PITA.

[Yarold n Kumar]

how much are people paying on average for a tire rotation?

[TgrChica7]

For the alignments you should atleast have it checked once a year wether your car "tells" you it needs it or not. Majority of the time you won't notice anything is wrong until you see a funky wear pattern on your tires and by then its too late, you'll end up needing new tires along with the alignment. Most automotive places will check the alignment for free, but if you go to the dealer they'll charge you wether it needs it or not. Check out the tire and automotive places in your area and see what they offer, 98% of the time it'll be better than what the dealer will offer...



ps-i know i'm a bit late on this thread... but then again i haven't been here for awhile lol


In the tire and automotive place I worked at... rotates were free! (usually need the rotated between 4 or 6k depending on how fast you actually get that many miles on your car)

[Sabretooth]

I just got my 2nd alignment on my car, at 55k miles...camber specs were perfect, toe was off.

[talnlnky]

bought my 08 3DR back in December of 07. Still running stock rubber, and still haven't had an alignment done. Alignment isn't like oil changes that you know you have to do them every 5,000 miles. Sometimes you might have to do two in a year... other times you might go two years between alignments. Take a look at your tires every month or two... or maybe every time you gas your gas and are waiting. if you start to get weird tread wear.... have it done.

My tread wear is still good, tho I'm starting to run low on tread now... but then again, I'm almost at 40k on stock rubber, I'll probably have to buy a set of tires in the next 12 months.

Last car I had I swear I had to do alignments every 6-8months or else I'd start ruining tires.

[ern-diz]

tell tale sign for me has always been pulling to the right or left...also, if it's been over 12k since an alignment, it's worth having checked...

[db662]

You should also read the tire manufacturers warranty information and see what they say about balance/rotating & alignment. Generally if you have not lowered your car you should not need to align your tires until you put the snow tires on, and even with that you shouldn't need to align your tires every time you put them on - just balance them. As far as rotating & balancing them, I usually do it every 3rd oil change or 15,000 miles. Hope that helps.

[talnlnky]

yeah.... I rotate tires every 10-15k miles.

[Chaldon]

Yari-chan dealers just love customers like you,as they can sell you neat stuff for your car like Muffler bearings, blinker fluid and piston return springs which they probably buy in bulk from this place http://kalecoauto.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=3
Just kidding.

PRICELESS!!! :thumbup:

The wiper blade sharpener will save me hundreds of dollars in replacements

[SailDesign]

PRICELESS!!! :thumbup:

The wiper blade sharpener will save me hundreds of dollars in replacements

Don't knock it. I just took my 10 year old ice-scraper out to the shop and planed its edge straight. And kept a perfect 60-degree bevel on it.
:smile: